Archive

With my great-aunt Elsie it wasn’t Tom Gordon but Dennis Eckersley that she was in love with, but no one ever wrote a book about The Girl Who Loved Dennis Eckersley, even if he did have, as Elsie claimed, the best hair in baseball. I finished up Lib’s quilt. I really enjoyed finishing up the […]

I added the border to Lib’s quilt and moved on to the slowest and most meditative part of the process, whip-stitching the edge of the border down by hand. I particularly enjoy this part of the process because it allows me the time to mentally sum up the whole piece as I literally sit with […]

I decided to use an old baby knit and crochet pattern book for the trim around Lib’s quilt. When thinking about Lib I always remember her working on a quilt and to me she always seemed to be carrying around the absence of her daughter. I was a bit of a sickly child so I […]

Having a bad couple of days with migraines, but I find that I feel terribly guilty when I skip a post entirely so here is a minimal check in for the week and a note to self to bank a few posts against future neurological failings.

So I gave in and bought a new toy: I feel terribly self indulgent but I love it! I’ve switched my Janome back over to “normal” mode (with Paul’s help) with the feed dogs advancing the fabric (paper) and switched it back over to the standard foot. It seems much happier now. I used it […]

Now that I’m getting a better hang of the whole free-motion quilting thing I’m liking the look of the look of the line it produces even more: I tell you no lies, this is difficult work, but I consider myself lucky. Whenever I want I can push away from the machine and take a break, […]

I’ve continued to practice free-motion quilting. Only a few sewing needles have paid the ultimate price. I’ve worked up the nerve to try practicing on the spare print for Lib’s quilt. I originally made six of each of the prints for this quilt since that’s how many I got when I cut the larger piece […]

Winslow Homer famously had a sign on the grounds of his studio announcing the above to discourage visitors. He liked to play the part of the eccentric, reclusive, artist. The sign is currently in his studio in Prout’s Neck Maine: The Portland Museum of Art bought Homer’s studio in 2006 and began a renovation project […]

One of the things that keeps me engaged with this project is how much working with simple, traditional methods, materials and tools keeps teaching me life lessons. To be present and pay attention. This post could also be posted under “Doh!” I’ve been banging my head against a wall, snapping needles, trying to strong arm […]

Yes, I’m guilty. I skipped a post. But I have a good excuse. I was at the 11th Annual International Encaustic Conference last week and I had a blast. Attended some amazing shows. Learned a bunch at some wonderful sessions, saw new and old friends, saw wonderful art (and bought some!) at the Hotel Fair […]